Elias Pettersson is now the Vancouver Canucks undisputed number-one center.

The Vancouver Canucks made some significant roster changes over the past few days. The most notable move was trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers, which was a trade that had been speculated about for weeks. Not only did this move shake up the roster, but also will change the dynamic in the locker room for the rest of the season. 

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With the trade now complete, all eyes turn to Elias Pettersson, who is now the Canucks undisputed first-line center. Based on reports as well as multiple interviews from the President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, Pettersson and Miller had a multi-year rift, which got to the point where they could not co-exist. In the end, Vancouver elected to trade Miller, which now puts even more pressure on Pettersson. 

"Yeah, of course," said Pettersson when asked post-game on Friday about the increased pressure he will experience moving forward. "To be honest, I want that pressure. It's up to me to take it."

Pettersson's slow start to the season is well-documented. While his defensive analytics are strong, he has struggled to produce offensively, with only 11 goals and 33 points in 44 games. Based on Pettersson's previous production, not just over the past two seasons but throughout his career, it is clear that he is capable of being one of the top two-way centers in the NHL. 

After the Canucks three-game road trip concluded, GM Patrik Allvin met with the media to discuss trades and the team's direction moving forward. A few of the questions asked involved Pettersson and his disappointing start to the season. Allvin was very blunt, pointing out that Pettersson needs to step up his game if Vancouver is going to be successful for the rest of the season.

"I know that Elias is, again, as I said a couple of weeks ago, committed to do the right things, said Allvin. "Finding his way to play to the level where we all know that he's capable of. He shows signs of going in the right direction. I know that he is doing the extra work that is needed. I hope that he is one of them that's going to continue to carry on the team and lead the team in the right way, playing the right way. We need his production here moving forward as well."

Being a leader on an NHL team is not a part-time job. It means stepping up every game regardless of the situation. For Pettersson, the pressure is going to keep increasing as not only is he part of the leadership group, but he also is the highest-paid player on the team with a cap hit of $11.6 million. When asked about the added pressure that is now on Pettersson, Allvin once again mentioned expectations and how he needs his number one center to live up to them.

"I think that's part of being a professional hockey player, especially when you commit to that kind of contract. My expectation is higher on him than anyone, and I expect him to meet my expectations, and I expect him to meet his own. So far, he has not done that. If you talk to him, he's disappointed, but he's aware of it and knows that he's capable."

Pettersson has a unique opportunity to restart his season. There will be less noise surrounding him regarding a potential trade, and he can focus on leading the team both on and off the ice. He also needs to be dialled in, as the Canucks are battling just to get into a Wild Card spot. The question is, can he step up and become an elite center in the NHL, or will the pressure get to him, which could lead to more trade rumours this summer? 

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